NINONG! NINANG!

NINONG / NINANG is a traditional Catholic practice of enlisting popular and rich members of the society to be sponsors during wedding or baptism rites. The godparents are treated like secondary parents and become a continuous financial and moral support for the rest of the couple or child’s life.
A story here tells you about NINONG and NINANG.
Elsie had been staring at the calendar all afternoon, counting the days. Next week would be Christmas. Three months later would be her Ate Elaine’s wedding. “Mom, I wonder what Lola Ely will give you this Christmas. And what gifts will Ate Elaine and Kuya Ron receive on their wedding?”
Mommy Rose was surprised. “So that’s what you’ve been thinking about all day?” she inquired.“Of course, Mom! Every Christmas, you and Dad receive gifts from your ninongs and ninangs.”
“Well, it’s just that they are very thoughtful. We’re so happy because they treat us like their own children.”Again, Elsie counted the days in the calendar. “Mom, I’m sure Ate Elaine will get Mrs. Dela Pena, Atty. Corpuz, Engr. Mercado, and our seaman neighbor, Mr. Ambrosio, to be their sponsors,” she said confidently.
“Elsie, what are you saying?” Mom interrupted. “What do you mean? What about this people?” “Don’t you know, Mom, they are rich and very influential? They are also your friends!” answered Elsie.
“My dear, please come with me in the kitchen and help me cook your favorite dish. I’ll tell you something. “I’d like to peel potatoes and carrots.” “Oh, that’s very nice, dear! Thank you for wanting to help me.” “But I don’t want to cut the Baguio beans. They’re so thin!” continued Elsie. “By the way, Mom, you said you’d tell me something. What is it?”
“Oh, yes!” said Mom. “Three months from now your Ate Elaine will be married to your Kuya Ron. I hope you will treat him as your real big brother, just like your Kuya Bert. We expect that you will respect him, too.”
“Yes , of course, Mom. Let me changes our topic. What is the role of the sponsors during the wedding, and why do I call your lolo’s and lola’s?” asked Elsie.
“That’s an insightful question.” Mom was smiling sweetly now.” Don’t you know the sponsors are the second parents of the bride and groom?”
“So, Mom, your sponsors are my grandparents?” asked Elsie.
“Exactly!” Mom exclaimed.
“Mom, I’ve finished peeling the potatoes and carrots. Can I now cut the Baguio beans?” Elsie asked.
“Oh I thought you don’t want to cut them!” her Mother smiled.
“You know Mom, when I get married, I’ll be the one to choose my sponsors. They should be persons close to me. I don’t mind if they are rich or poor, educated or not, as long as they have a good character, okey na akin! (That’s all right with me!) Of course, I want them to be spiritual just like you and Dad, who always pray for, advice, correct, and help us. Above all, they must be God fearing! I’m very proud of you and Dad!”
“Why?” asked Mom.
“Because you have been good children to your parents and sponsors,” continued Elsie.
“What made you say so?”
“Besides sending them simple presents, you also visit them, especially when they are sick. And most of all, you always include them in your prayers,” Elsie said cheerfully.
I know you have ninongs and ninangs. But aside for giving gifts for us, I know there is something more to it.